The best IPL hair removal devices to get you ready for summer

Get rid of those hairs, once and for all.

Best IPL hair removers

by Emma Richardson |
Updated on

We're always looking for ways to make hair removal easier and more efficient, and IPL hair removal devices will help you do just that. Stuck on what IPL device to buy? We've rounded up the best IPL hair removal products available on the market.

Closer's best IPL hair removers at a glance:

Best overall: Philips Lumea IPL Hair Remover, £329.99 on Amazon

Best IPL device for speed: SmoothSkin Pure Mini Lite, £149 on Currentbody

Editor's choice: Sensica Sensilight Yang IPL Hair Removal, £179 on Lookfantastic

Best budget-friendly IPL hair remover: XSOUL at-Home IPL Hair Removal, £69.99 on Amazon

Though removal methods such as home waxing kits have certain benefits, you'll notice that results only last for a short amount of time, which isn't ideal - particularly if your hair grows back rapidly. That's where IPL hair removal comes in, a convenient and long-lasting solution to removing pesky body hair.

IPL, which stands for intense pulsed light, is a hair removal method that applies very gentle pulses of light to the hair root, making for a more sustainable and long-lasting process of removing hair. It can be used in various locations on your skin, not just your legs or armpits, and can benefit skin texture and appearance and improve signs of sun damage. Say goodbye to the best epilators, IPL is here.

SHOP: The best IPL hair removers

Editor's choice

A foolproof method for hair removal, the Philips Lumea IPL is easily the best of its kind. Delivering gentle pulses to the hair root, this device will prevent hair growth and is suitable for naturally dark blonde, brown and black hair, and for skin tones ranging from fair to medium. You can connect to the brand's app to track your IPL journey and to ensure you're getting the most out of your product.

Customer review: "I had some laser treatment several years ago at a salon but gave up as it was painful but after a recent recommendation, I bought this and I'm so pleased. I've used it four times and my leg and bikini line hair have already stopped growing back in places and those that have come through are thinner and softer instead of thick bristles and no spots or I growing hair around my bikini line."

Pros

  • Comes with three attachments
  • Ergonomic design
  • Fast results
  • For use on all areas of the body

Cons

  • Not suitable for red, light blonde or grey hair
  • Not suitable for darker skin tones
Flash capacity450,000
Power Levels5
ModeAuto / Manual
  • Smart-skin sensor
  • Connects to the Lumea app
  • Corded use

Best IPL device for speed

The SmoothSkin Bare+ will give you one of the quickest treatment times - it flashes 100 times a minute and with unlimited flashes, it means you could do your whole body in just 10 minutes. It can be used almost anywhere on the body and has built-in skin sensors and UV protection to keep you safe. As with most IPL devices, it works best on light skin tones with dark hair, and results are noticeable within four weeks.

Customer review: "I was a little sceptical about this product, and also a little nervous to try an at-home laser hair removal product. I am really happy I took the chance, though, because this one actually delivers. At first glance, this seems very pricey, but you get what you pay for. I don’t think I’d want to skimp out and go with a lesser-quality item or a brand I wasn’t familiar with. I’ve only been using this laser for a couple of weeks now, but I can already see a difference on my legs. I decided to start with just the bottom half of my legs just in case I had any issues with skin discolouration - I am olive undertone, but I’d say light and not medium/dark olive. You’ll want to be sure to avoid this product if your skin tone matches any of the colours they mention on the listing - they are very specific about what skin tones should not use this."

Editor's choice

The lightweight, ergonomic Sensica Sensilight Yang is easy to use and is best on dark hair on light skin. Sensica's patented RPL™ technology produces one flash every three seconds for quick, effective results. It works well on larger body areas, as well as more precise ones. Enabling you to tackle your whole leg in as little as eight minutes, it feels great in the hand and there's minimal pain involved.

Customer review: "I bought this 3 months ago for my teenage daughters and it is a huge success!! Some key features that make this device so great:

"1. Energy level adjustment - you can choose the energy level that works for you, increase or decrease as you go along. For my youngest this was a great crowd pleaser as she started from the lowest energy possible and worked her way up as she gained confidence.

"2. Automatic mode - this is a great feature especially when treating larger areas like legs, the energy pulses are released as you move along with the hassle of operating it every pulse independently.
But the best feature of this product is that it actually reduces hair growth! Considerably! My younger daughter has used it about 5 times now and we can actually see the difference in hair growth quantity. My older daughter has been using similar products for a few years now and says this is the first time she really feels and sees the change in hair growth!

Worth every penny. You should run and get it!"

Pros

  • Comfortable in the hand
  • Good for large treatment areas

Cons

  • Not suitable for use on darker skin tones

Best budget-friendly IPL hair remover

XSOUL at-Home IPL Hair Removal
Price: £99.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$124.89View offer

After something slightly more affordable? Allow us to introduce the XSOUL IPL, your budget-friendly solution to permanent hair removal. It comes with protective sunglasses and two razors to ensure you don't miss any areas, especially ones that are harder to remove body hair from. Protective eyewear is also included in the kit.

Customer review: "It works straight away I use it every other day now on my 3rd week only had to use it once a week hairs are much slower to come back! I've only used it on my face and neck! I would recommend it for any menopausal lady out there for their face and neck area."

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Efficient on larger areas
  • Five power levels

Cons

  • Not suitable for darker skin tones
  • Not suitable for lighter hair
  • Corded, so less flexibility
Flash Capacity 999,999
Power Levels5
ModeAuto / Manual
  • 999,999 Flashes capacity offers years of use
  • Comes with an instruction manual
  • Five energy levels

Best IPL hair remover for travel

This handheld IPL is ideal for all skin tones and combines galvanic and eHPL™ (enhanced Home Pulsed Light) energy for long-lasting hair removal. Capable of emitting 400,000 light pulses, it has a multi-use treatment area of 3 cm². The clever colour sensor scans your skin to determine the optimal energy setting, while a pulse and glide method helps to guide your treatment. It comes with a storage case, so it's ideal for those who travel a lot.

Customer review: "I have used it once so far, it’s well packaged, nice little case, easy to use. I have used another brand in the past on some areas and had great results. So I’m hoping this will be the same!"

Pros

  • Suitable for face and body
  • Ideal for all skin tones
  • Includes storage case and cleaning cloth
  • UK and EU plug

Best for darker skin tones

Braun is known for having some of the best beauty tools around, and for good reason. The IPL Silk-Expert Pro precisely targets the hair and tells you exactly when it needs charging from the light indicator. Its advanced technology means it can automatically adapt to your skin tone, optimising the power for the best possible outcome.

Customer review: "Really nice product and makes lasering super easy and quick! Particularly love the way you can hold the button to continuously do larger areas, makes lasering my legs only take a few minutes."

Pros

  • Results visible in three weeks
  • Can be used all over the body
  • Quick and easy to use
  • Suitable for darker skin tones

Cons

  • Not effective on blonde, red, or white hair on fair skin
Flash Capacity400,000
Power Levels3
ModeAuto
  • 125 flashes per minute
  • Skin Pro 2.0 sensor
  • One year of smooth skin

Best IPL hair remover for design

A cute yet convenient tool used to remove hair all over the body, the Foreo Peach 2 gets immediate brownie points for design. It's easy to use (arguably easier than others on our list) and can fit in travel baggage as it is light and compact, making it perfect for travelling with if you're looking to keep on top of IPL whilst you're away on holiday. It also comes with its very own cooling system and cooling prep gel to help alleviate discomfort.

**Customer review: "**My favourite high maintenance tool to be less high maintenance, I don’t have the time to commit to laser hair removal so this is the next best option! I’ve noticed a difference in just six weeks, slower hair growth, and as someone who’s prone to ingrown hairs, I haven’t had one. This is suitable for use all over. I’ve even purchased a second as a gift!"

Pros

  • Ergonomic design
  • Relatively painless
  • Easy to travel with

Cons

  • Only suitable for use on naturally black or brown hair
Flash Capacity 500,000
Power Levels5
ModesAutomatic
  • 500 flashes per minute
  • Cooling system
  • Silicone head
  • Dual lamp design

How does IPL work?

According to Phillips, IPL hair removal works by applying very gentle pulses of light to the hair root. With this, the hair goes into its resting phase and the hair you already have falls out. Over time, and after using IPL consistently, you will notice that hair will begin to grow less in that area.

Is it worth investing in?

An IPL device is certainly worth investing in if you are looking for a convenient way to get rid of pesky body hair long-term. It is an expensive treatment, yes, but means you don't need to buy women's razors every single month which - as we know - are also quite the investment. Plus, you can say goodbye to razor rash.

Are IPL devices safe?

IPL devices have sparked debate on whether or not they are safe or harmful, but the truth is, if used in accordance to instructions, IPL devices are harmless. According to Braun, IPL hair removal devices aren't actually hurtful to your despite the fact that you may feel a temporary stinging feeling in the moment. So, although you may feel a light flick during flashes, the pain you might feel is nowhere near the pain you may feel when waxing or threading.

Emma Richardson is a Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for heat, Closer and Grazia. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.

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